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Diagonal band stimulation increases piriform cortex neuronal excitability in vivo
L A Zimmer1, M Ennis, M T Shipley
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA.
Neuroreport
|July 29, 1999
Summary
Stimulating the diagonal band (NDB) in the piriform cortex (PC) increases pyramidal cell activity and alters olfactory processing. These effects, mediated by cholinergic pathways, suggest a disinhibitory mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Olfactory System Research
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- The piriform cortex (PC) is crucial for olfactory processing.
- Cholinergic inputs modulate neuronal excitability and plasticity in cortical areas.
- The role of the diagonal band of Broca (NDB) in PC function is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of NDB stimulation on PC pyramidal cell activity.
- To examine the effects of NDB stimulation on evoked field potentials (FPs) in the PC.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including receptor involvement.
Main Methods:
- In vivo electrophysiological recordings in rodent models.
- Stimulation of the NDB and lateral olfactory tract (LOT).
- Analysis of spontaneous firing rates and evoked field potentials (FP) components.
- Pharmacological manipulation using scopolamine.
Main Results:
- NDB stimulation enhanced spontaneous pyramidal cell firing rates.
- NDB stimulation altered excitatory (B1) and inhibitory (P2) FP components following LOT stimulation.
- NDB stimulation reduced paired-pulse inhibition in the PC.
- Scopolamine reversed the observed effects, indicating muscarinic receptor involvement.
Conclusions:
- Cholinergic activation via NDB stimulation increases PC pyramidal cell excitability.
- The findings suggest a disinhibitory mechanism underlies NDB's influence on PC function.
- This modulation may play a role in olfactory learning and memory.